The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-06-01
Was She Frivolous =!

with MS surr0undlngs-hls SpOtless
cloth fitting so well his strong, manly
figure; his clear-cut Grecian features,
and dark, wavy hair, thrown back with
careless grace from his smooth brow.
He was visiting one of those wretched
tenement houses used by the very poor,
and before him was forlorn group.
A widow who had just buried her
husband; she had five helpless chill
dren-the eldest six, the youngest a
nursing baby, and pair of twins
among them. The rags-and, worse
than all, the dirt-of poverty were
everywhere apparent.
An expression of almost sublime
pity rested on the countenance of the
minister.
The woman, with her apron thrown
over her head, rocked herself to and
fro and walled forth her troubles.
81 don't know what Pm a-goin' to
do for myself and the little 'uns. Though
my old man would have his drink, he
didn't beat us, and brought enough to
us to keep body and soul together; but
now | know we can't do nothin' but
starve and dep
Have you no friends?" asked Mr..
SnaW, IN low voice.
"Some, but as bad or wuss off than
US. Yes" she said, looking up with
grateful, bright expression, "there is
one-Lord bless her!-who has done a
lot for me, Miss Mehitable Sanks. She
sent medicine and the doctor to the old
man, and guy me clothes and suthin'
to eat: and many's the man, woman
and child that blesses her for taking
care of 'em. Why, sir, she even leaves
little cards with stamps on 'em, and
Job Potter, who can write, sends 'em
to her when we are in a very bad state"
After assuring her of his sympathy,
and that he would do what he could for
her, the minister wendell his way home.
AS he thought of those to whom he
might appeal, vision of bright face
haunted him; but while he fingered
over the thought most tenderly, there
was shadow on his brow. as if there
was some slight jar that marred the
harmony of his thoughts.
Mr.. Shaw was the rector of one of
the wealthy churches of the city, and
Mabel Lee was one of the parishioners.
Her face was Madonna-like in its tender
curves and beauty, the large blue eyes
with just tinge of sadness, the perfect
curve of the red lips, the faultess COM
plexion, and blonde hair that was like
halo of light round the graceful head.
But ah, when she talked it was like a
damper, mist on a beautiful picture,
marring the tints that would otherwise
have been perfect.
Bright and witty, but a butterfly;
such devotee to society that one
longed for the expression of a single
serious thought that could leaven into
something like common sense this per-
sonification of frivolity. With it all
however, she was lovely and lovable to
everyone, and Mr.. Shaw had long
struggled against an interest in her,
the indulgence of which he felt would
be fatal to his future happiness and use
fulness.
Absorbed in these thoughts, he found
himself in front of Mr.. Lees house,
and, obeying an impulse, he turned at
the gate and was admitted.
AS Miss Lee entered the parlor he
thought he had seldom seen a fairel
vision, and was veXed to feel his heart
throb more quickly and thrill with a
pleasure that he felt must be controlled
She greeted him with that easy grace
which was one of her principal charms
"Ah, Mr.. Shaw l am so glad to see
you. l had real spell of ennui this
morning. This last novel is wretched
as both hero and heroine die in the
most provoking way-all because OF
some overstrained idea of duty; and !
was just wishing that some one would
come in, and | could have a cheerful
little chat to dispel the gloomy impress
SION"
"Then Pm afraid" smilingly, "you
will not like your present visitor.
have not come in very cheerful
humor; and, besides, l wish to ask a
favor"
"a favor! That is too lovely. Con-
slider it granted, even to the half of my
kingdom. l am truly glad that you
wish to ask favor of me, because
did not think your opinion of me was
sufficiently good for such thing. Dc
you know" with a sudden droop OF
the eyes, "that you always make me
feel as if l were doing something
wrong?"
"Do l? Well, shall give you a
golden opportunity now to redeem
yourself. l have just been visiting
some of those wretchedly poor fami
lies in - street, and would like il
so much if you could interest some
ladies in their behalf-visit them ant
relieve them"
A look of CONSERVATION overspreat
her pretty face as she exclaimed:
Oh, indeed; you don't mean fol
me to go there? How could | evel
stand it? l can't bear such places
Ask me almost anything else. The
dreadful men and womenl-the odor
Ughl' with shudder, "ask me al
most anything else"
A look of keen disappointment drifteC
over Mr.. Shaw's face.
She suddenly frightened and said;
do intend TO do something gooC
next week. | have refused a Ger
man," triumphantly, "that | may at
tend the charity calico ball to be given
You know all the dresses are for tn,
poor, SO | shall do some good"
" And what is your dress to be?'
asked Mr.. Shaw, with rather an indie
scribable infection to his voice.
"The loveliest blue silesia, with
! lowered cretonne 'front.'" enthusiastic
ally, I" sleeveless waist, Medici collar
shirred and very bouirant draperies
1t will be beautiful, and l know it viii